Efficacy and safety of nano-silver dressings combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor for deep second-degree burns: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor for deep second-degree burns. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and other databases were searched to identify relevant randomised controlled trials. RESULTS: Twelve studies that assessed nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor were identified. Nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor for deep second-degree burns could significantly reduce the duration of wound healing (mean difference -5.68, 95% CI -7.38 - -3.99, P<0.00001), the wound healing rate (risk ratio [RR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.23-0.48, P<0.00001), the rate of scar hyperplasia (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54-0.84, P=0.0004), the wound bacterial positive rate (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28-0.89, P=0.02), and the adverse reactions rate (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.58, P=0.0003). CONCLUSION: This comprehensive meta-analysis of the available evidence suggest that the use of nano-silver dressing combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor results in shorter duration of wound healing, reduced wound bacterial positive rates and adverse reactions rate, and improved wound healing rates.

Progenitor Biological Bandages: An Authentic Swiss Tool for Safe Therapeutic Management of Burns, Ulcers, and Donor Site Grafts.

Clinical experience gathered over two decades around therapeutic use of primary human dermal progenitor fibroblasts in burn patient populations has been at the forefront of regenerative medicine in Switzerland. Relative technical simplicity, ease of extensive serial multitiered banking, and high stability are major advantages of such cell types, assorted to ease of safety and traceability demonstration. Stringent optimization of cell source selection and standardization of biobanking protocols enables the safe and efficient harnessing of the considerable allogenic therapeutic potential yielded by primary progenitor cells. Swiss legal and regulatory requirements have led to the procurement of fetal tissues within a devised Fetal Progenitor Cell Transplantation Program in the Lausanne University Hospital. Proprietary nonenzymatic isolation of primary musculoskeletal cell types and subsequent establishment of progeny tiered cell banks under cGMP standards have enabled safe and effective management of acute and chronic cutaneous affections in various patient populations. Direct off-the-freezer seeding of viable dermal progenitor fibroblasts on a CE marked equine collagen scaffold is the current standard for delivery of the therapeutic biological materials to patients suffering from extensive and deep burns. Diversification in the clinical indications and delivery methods for these progenitor cells has produced excellent results for treatment of persistent ulcers, autograft donor site wounds, or chronic cutaneous affections such as eczema. Herein we describe the standard operating procedures for preparation and therapeutic deployment of the progenitor biological bandages within our translational musculoskeletal regenerative medicine program, as they are routinely used as adjuvants in our Burn Center to treat critically ailing patients.

Use of Amniotic Membrane as a Biological Dressing for the Treatment of Torpid Venous Ulcers: A Case Report.

Chronic venous disease manifested as ulcers in the lower limb is a highly prevalent pathology in our population. Antiseptics and dressings designed to improve epithelialization are often used to cure the ulcer during outpatient therapy. Despite careful management, sometimes ulcers do not respond to treatment. In this report, we discuss the antiseptic and potentially immunomodulatory effects of the amniotic membrane as a biological dressing for the treatment of venous ulcers refractory to conventional therapy.

Tratamento de queimaduras de segundo grau profundo em abdômen, coxas e genitália: uso da pele de tilápia como um xenoenxerto / Treatment of deep second-degree burns on the abdomen, thighs, and genitalia: use of tilapia skin as a xenograft

A pele de tilápia possui microbiota não infecciosa e estrutura morfológica semelhante à pele humana. Estudos clínicos fase II, ainda não publicados, mostraram resultados promissores na sua utilização para tratamento de queimaduras. Nos protocolos destes estudos, pacientes com lesões em áreas de dobras de pele, como genitais e região inguinal, foram excluídos, pois achava-se que o biomaterial não aderiria apropriadamente, resultando em um grau de cicatrização inferior. Relato de caso de paciente do sexo feminino, 18 anos, sem comorbidades, com queimaduras de segundo grau profundo em abdômen, região inguinal, parte da genitália e metade superior de ambas as coxas, envolvendo 13,5% da área total da superfície corporal. A pele de tilápia foi aplicada nas lesões levando a uma reepitelização completa com 16 dias de tratamento. Não foram observados efeitos colaterais. A pele de tilápia traz, portanto, a promessa de um produto inovador, de fácil aplicação e alta disponibilidade, que pode se tornar a primeira pele animal nacionalmente estudada e registrada pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, para uso no tratamento de queimaduras. Este relato de caso contribui para reduzir as limitações em relação às áreas anatômicas apropriadas para a aplicação da pele de tilápia, uma vez que, mesmo com a necessidade de reposição de pele, foram obtidos bons resultados com aplicação na genitália e região inguinal.

Tilapia skin has a non-infectious microbiota and a morphological structure similar to human skin. Phase II clinical studies, not yet published, have shown promising results in their use for the treatment of burns. In the protocols of these studies, patients with lesions in areas of skin folds, such as genitals and inguinal regions, were excluded, as it was thought that the biomaterial would not adhere properly, resulting in a lower degree of healing. Case report of a female patient, 18 years old, without comorbidities, with deep second-degree burns in the abdomen, inguinal region, part of the genitalia and upper half of both thighs, involving 13.5% of the total body surface area. Tilapia skin was applied to the lesions leading to a complete re-epithelialization with 16 days of treatment. No side effects were observed. Tilapia skin, therefore, brings the promise of an innovative product, easy to apply, and highly available, which can become the first animal skin nationally studied and registered by the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, for use in the treatment of burns. This case report contributes to reduce the limitations concerning the anatomical areas appropriate for the application of tilapia skin, since, even with the need for skin replacement, good results were obtained with application to the genitalia and inguinal region.

Comparação dos meios de preparação e preservação de membrana amniótica humana para uso no tratamento de doenças da superfície ocular / Comparison of the preparation and preservation techniques of amniotic membrane used in the treatment of ocular surface diseases

Resumo Atualmente a membra amniótica (MA) tem obtido importância devido à comprovada capacidade de reduzir inflamação, auxiliar a cicatrização e epitelização, possuindo propriedades antimicrobianas e antivirais, além de baixa imunogenicidade. As indicações de seu uso na oftalmologia têm aumentado muito nas duas últimas décadas. Objetivo: Descrever a estrutura básica e as propriedades biológicas da MA em relação aos componentes da sua matriz extracelular e fatores de crescimento, as consequências de diferentes técnicas empregadas na sua preservação e esterilização, métodos para remoção do epitélio e a comparação dos custos dos diferentes meios de conservação atualmente empregados. Métodos: Pesquisa nas bases de dados do Portal da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Pubmed, Cochrane, Scielo e Lilacs com as palavras-chave: membrana amniótica, transplante, reconstrução da córnea, doenças da conjuntiva. Resultados: A literatura é vasta na descrição dos efeitos de diversos agentes e técnicas na preparação da MA, dentre elas sua preservação, esterilização e desepitelização. A membrana desnuda tem sido a escolha para a reconstrução da superfície ocular, pois facilita a cicatrização. Em relação aos agentes conservantes, o glicerol é o meio mais utilizado mundialmente pelo baixo custo e facilidade de manuseio. Conclusão: A comparação das diversas técnicas nos guia na elaboração de protocolos de preparo da MA para uso oftalmológico. A membrana desnuda facilita a cicatrização em relação a com células epiteliais. O glicerol é o meio de conservação mais utilizado pelo baixo custo e facilidade de manuseio.

Abstract Currently, the amniotic membrane (AM) has obtained importance due to its ability to reduce inflammation, helping in the healing and epithelialization processes, having antimicrobial and antiviral properties and low immunogenicity. Its indications in ophthalmology have increased considerably in the past two decades. Objective: To describe the basic structure and biological properties of the AM, the components of the extracellular matrix and growth factors, the consequences of different techniques used in its preservation, and sterilization methods for the epithelium removal. To compare the costs of the different preservation solutions currently employed. Study design: literature review. Methods: Research in BVS databases, PubMed, Cochrane, Scielo and Lilacs with keywords: amniotic membrane transplantation, corneal reconstruction, conjunctival diseases. Results: The literature is vast in describing the effects of different agents and techniques used in the preparation of MA, including its preservation, sterilization and desepithelization. The naked membrane is the choice to reconstruct the ocular surface, as it facilitates the healing course. Regarding the preservatives, glycerol is the most used worldwide due its low cost and easy handling. Conclusion: Comparing different techniques guides us in developing a MA preparation protocol for ophthalmic use. The naked membrane facilitates the healing process compared with the presence of epithelial cells. The glycerol is the most used preservation method because of its low cost and easy handling.

Elaboração, desenvolvimento e instalação do primeiro banco de pele animal no Brasil para o tratamento de queimaduras e feridas / Elaboration, development, and installation of the first animal skin bank in Brazil for the treatment of burns and wounds

Introdução: A produção e a distribuição de pele humana pelos Bancos de Pele do Brasil é insuficiente para atender a demanda do país, suprindo menos de 1% da necessidade para tratar as vítimas de queimaduras. O objetivo do trabalho foi apresentar a elaboração e o desenvolvimento da implantação do primeiro Banco de Pele Animal do Brasil para tratamento da queimadura. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo metodológico. O Banco de Pele Animal Aquático foi elaborado, desenvolvido e instalado a partir do desenvolvimento do processamento de pele da tilápia, da revisão sistemática de estudos referentes a banco de pele animal, de visitas à pscicultura em Jaguaribara-CE, da visita técnica aos bancos de pele humana no Brasil, de consulta técnica e de treinamento no Banco de Pele de Recife, da observação de todas as fases de processamento da pele de tilápia e da identificação da estrutura física da área onde ocorrem todos os processos. Resultados: Além da produção e da distribuição da pele da tilápia para os estudos em vítima de queimaduras, o banco está processando mais de 5000 peles de tilápia e encontra-se em fase de distribuição desta pele para estudos multicêntricos em outros estados e outras especialidades, que desenvolvem pesquisas nas áreas de ginecologia, ortopedia, endoscopia, estomaterapia, cirurgia vascular, odontologia e veterinária. Conclusão: este trabalho possibilitou a elaboração, o desenvolvimento e a implementação do primeiro Banco de Pele Animal do país e o primeiro Banco de Pele Aquática do mundo.

Introduction: The production and distribution of human skin by Brazilian skin banks is insufficient to meet the country's demand, supplying less than 1% of the need for treating burn victims. The objective of this work was to present the elaboration and development of the first animal skin bank of Brazil for the treatment of burns. Methods: This methodological study elaborated, developed, and installed The Aquatic Animal Skin Bank in terms of the development of tilapia skin processing after a systematic review of studies referring to animal skin banks based on visits to the pisciculture center in Jaguaribara-CE, technical visits to human skin banks in Brazil, technical consultation and training in the Recife Skin Bank, the observation of all phases of tilapia skin processing, and the identification of the physical structure of the area where the processes occur. Results: In addition to the production and distribution of tilapia skin for studies on burn victims, the bank is processing more than 5000 tilapia skin samples and is in the distribution phase of this skin for multicentric studies in other states and specialties including gynecology, orthopedics, endoscopy, stomatherapy, vascular surgery, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. Conclusion: This work enabled the elaboration, development, and implementation of Brazil's first animal skin bank and the world's first aquatic skin bank.

Applying honey dressings to non-healing wounds in elderly persons receiving home care.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the clinical effectiveness of honey dressings in the management of non-healing wounds in elderly persons receiving home care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Design: a prospective interventional study. The sample comprised 40 Czech home care clients (aged over 65 years) with non-healing wounds who were randomly assigned to two groups. Wounds were treated with honey (intervention group) or conventional (controls) dressings. Each wound was studied for three months. A detailed description of a wound (location, size, wound bed, edges, amount of exudate, odor, adjacent skin) were recorded. Wounds were assessed with the Wound Healing Continuum and pain intensity with the Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: Over the 3-month period, 16 (80%) individuals in the intervention group had their wounds completely healed, as compared with only six (30%) controls. There was no statistically significant difference in wound size between the groups on Day 1 (p = 0.1801). Ninety days later, the difference in wound size between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.0041). There was a statistically significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups (p = 0.0007), with higher pain scores being indicated by controls. CONCLUSION: The study results showed that the application of honey dressings to non-healing wounds resulted in faster healing, wound size reduction and lower pain intensity.

Xenoenxerto (pele da Tilápia-do-Nilo) e hidrofibra com prata no tratamento das queimaduras de II grau em adultos / Nile tilapia skin xenograft versus silver-based hydrofiber dressing in the treatment of second-degree burns in adults

Introdução: Estudos recentes apontam a utilização do curativo biológico com base em animais aquáticos como biomaterial na medicina regenerativa, apresentando boa aderência ao leito das feridas. O objetivo foi avaliar a eficácia da utilização da pele da Tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) como curativo biológico oclusivo, no manejo/tratamento de queimaduras de 2º grau em adultos. Métodos: Estudo clínico com 30 pacientes aleatoriamente tratados com pele da Tilápia-do-Nilo (n = 15) e hidrofibra com prata Aquacel Ag® (n =1 5). Resultados: Em relação à duração, o tratamento com a pele da Tilápiado-Nilo obteve uma média de dias de tratamento (9,6 ± 2,4) similar ao material comparativo (10,7 ± 4,5). Quanto ao relato de dor durante a troca de curativos, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante (p > 0,68) entre os grupos. Após a troca do curativo, não houve inferioridade no registro do valor na escala analógica de dor, em que 66,7% dos tratados com pele da Tilápia-do-Nilo relataram diminuição dos eventos álgicos. Constatou-se ainda que 60% dos pacientes tratados com a pele da Tilápia-do-Nilo não tiveram seus curativos substituídos em qualquer momento do tratamento. Para o curativo Aquacel AG®, 53,3% dos pacientes tiveram mais de uma substituição de curativos. Conclusões: Com base na pesquisa, pode-se concluir que a pele da Tilápia-do-Nilo é eficaz como curativo biológico oclusivo. Houve similaridade entre os grupos para a média de dias de tratamento (completa cicatrização da ferida) e para o relato de dor durante a realização do curativo. Também, a não inferioridade relacionada a dor após os curativos e suas trocas (quando existentes) e na quantidade de substituições destes.

Introduction: Recent studies have suggested the use of biological dressings made of aquatic animals as biomaterials in regenerative medicine since they demonstrate good adherence to the wound bed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Nile tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus) as an occlusive biological dressing in the management and treatment of second-degree burns in adults. Methods: This clinical study included 30 patients randomly treated with Nile tilapia skin (n = 15) or Aquacel Ag® silver-based hydrofiber dressing (n = 15). Results: The Nile tilapia skin yielded a similar mean treatment time (9.6 ± 2.4 days) to that of the comparative material (10.7 ± 4.5 days). There was no statistically significant intergroup difference (p > 0.68) in pain during dressing changes. No disadvantage in pain was noted, as 66.7% of patients treated with Nile Tilapia skin reported a decrease in pain events. Moreover, 60% of the patients treated with the Nile Tilapia skin did not require dressing replacement at any time during treatment. For the Aquacel AG® dressing, 53.3% of the patients required more than one dressing replacement. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the Nile tilapia skin is as effective as an occlusive biological dressing. The average treatment time (complete wound healing) and pain reports during dressing changes were similar between groups. Furthermore, pain after and number of dressing exchanges (when performed) were not worse.

Early Tympanoplasty Using a Synthetic Biomembrane for Military-Related Blast Induced Large Tympanic Membrane Perforation.

Introduction: Blast injuries in modern warfare are common, and tympanic perforation is often found. Spontaneous closures of large perforations that encompass greater than 80% of the tympanic surface are rare. Early closure of the tympanic membrane avoids the immediate infectious risk, which potentially complicates the initial management of these war-wounded patients, and allows for safe and early recovery of military activity. This study compared the outcomes of spontaneous closures and early biomembrane myringoplasty in subjects with large blast injury-induced tympanic perforation following a massive explosion. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, observational, cohort study military troops with large barotraumatic tympanic membrane perforation. The study investigates early surgical tympanoplasty versus observation for spontaneous closure. The hearing loss, tympanic perforation closure rate, and closure time were noted. Results: Fourteen patients (19 ears) were referred from May 2008 to April 2017, and 6 patients (9 ears) underwent early myringoplasty. A total of 89% (n = 8) and 100% (n = 9) of the ears exhibited successful sealing of the perforation at one and 6 mo, respectively. In contrast, 60% (n = 6) of the 10 ears (8 patients) without initial myringoplasty did not heal spontaneously at 6 mo, and these ears underwent a delayed tympanoplasty procedure. Notably, patients with early myringoplasty suffered lower conductive hearing loss and fewer functional signs remotely. Conclusion: Early myringoplasty using a biomembrane for blast injury-induced large tympanic perforation is a fast and minimally invasive method to achieve earlier tympanic closure and a higher closure rate for safe recovery of activity. It can be performed under general anesthesia concurrently with surgery for additional body-wide trauma. The deployment of ENT surgeons on the battlefield in the French Army has enabled early management of these patients.

Un enfoque para el tratamiento de las úlceras de origen vascular: revisión y papel del factor de crecimiento epidérmico / One approach to treating vascular ulcers: Review and role of epidermal growth factor

Revisión de evidencia y opciones terapéuticas del factor de crecimiento epidérmico recombinante humano bioidéntico (rhEGF) en úlceras vasculares. El rhEGF ha evidenciado eficacia, tolerabilidad y seguridad, considerándose tratamiento adyuvante o emergente en guías de práctica clínica basadas en la evidencia. Se dispone de rhEGF mediante formulación magistral, asegurando estabilidad, efectividad y seguridad, permitiendo la individualización (adición de principios activos, cambios de galénica). Los compuestos con rhEGF mediante formulación magistral pueden considerarse indicados en el tratamiento de úlceras vasculares

Review of scientific evidence and therapeutic options of recombinant human bioidentical epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) for vascular ulcers. Efficacy, with excellent tolerability and safety has been demonstrated with rhEGF, and it has been considered as an adjuvant or emerging treatment in evidence based clinical practice guidelines. rhEGF is available by magistral prescription, ensuring stability, effectiveness and safety, allowing individualisation (addition of active principles or dose personalisation). Compounds with rhEGF can be considered for managing vascular ulcers

Uso de matriz dérmica acelular heteróloga em cirurgia plástica reparadora / Use of acellular dermal matrix xenograft in reconstructive plastic surgery

INTRODUÇÃO: Feridas complexas são um desafio para o cirurgião plástico. Nestes casos, a solução mais comum é a indicação de enxertia de pele ou de retalhos, no entanto, dependendo das estruturas afetadas, os resultados podem não ser satisfatórios. As matrizes foram inicialmente desenvolvidas para o tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras. Desde então, desenvolveram-se diferentes variedades, as quais são aplicadas no tratamento de diversas patologias, inclusive feridas complexas. Apenas algumas matrizes dérmicas acelulares heterólogas (MDAH) estão disponíveis no Brasil e a um custo ainda muito elevado. O objetivo desse estudo é relatar a experiência adquirida com a utilização de MDAHs para o tratamento de pacientes com necessidade de cirurgia plástica reparadora. MÉTODO: No período de fevereiro de 2011 a julho de 2014 foram utilizadas 5 diferentes MDAHs no tratamento de 24 lesões de diferentes etiologias, inclusive para 3 etiologias não descritas na literatura: rinofima, hidrosadenite supurativa e síndrome de Lyell (necrólise epidérmica tóxica-NET). RESULTADOS: Os 20 pacientes de diferentes etiologias e que receberam o tratamento com enxerto de MDAH em diferentes regiões anatômicas, associados ou não à enxertia de pele autóloga, alcançaram a solução de suas patologias com adequados padrões funcionais e estéticos. CONCLUSÃO: O emprego de MDAH pode ser considerado como alternativa no tratamento de diversos casos de difícil resolução e tem seu lugar na Cirurgia Plástica moderna, porém sua indicação deve ser bem avaliada devido ao alto custo do material.

INTRODUCTION: Complex wounds pose a challenge to the plastic surgeon. In these cases, the most common solution is skin grafting or the use of flaps; however, depending on the affected structure, the results may not be satisfactory. Matrices were initially developed for the treatment of burn sequelae. Since then, different varieties of matrices have been developed for application in the treatment of several diseases, including complex wounds. Only a few heterologous acellular dermal matrices (HADMs) are available in Brazil, and they are still very expensive. The objective of this study was to report the experience with the use of HADMs for the treatment of patients with a need for reconstructive plastic surgery. METHOD: From February 2011 to July 2014, five different HADMs were used in the treatment of 24 lesions of different etiologies, including three etiologies not previously described in the literature: rhinophyma, hidradenitis suppurativa, and Lyell's syndrome (toxic epidermal necrolysis). RESULTS: Twenty patients with lesions of different etiologies and who received treatment with HADM grafts in different anatomical regions, associated or not with autologous skin grafting, attained adequate aesthetic and functional results. CONCLUSION: The use of HADMs can be considered an alternative in the treatment of several difficult-to-treat cases, and has its place in modern plastic surgery; however, its indication should be carefully evaluated owing to the high cost of the materials.

Síndrome de Barraquer-Simons: revisão da literatura e relato de caso / Barraquer-Simons syndrome: literature review and case report

A síndrome de Barraquer-Simons é uma lipodistrofia caracterizada por progressiva atrofia do tecido celular subcutâneo limitada à parte superior do corpo. Seu acometimento costuma ser simétrico e com evolução craniocaudal, podendo atingir até as coxas. Também é conhecida como lipodistrofia céfalo-torácica ou lipodistrofia parcial progressiva. É uma doença rara, de origem obscura, que geralmente se manifesta no começo da segunda década de vida e tem predominância no sexo feminino. O presente trabalho objetiva trazer uma revisão da literatura e relatar um caso desta rara patologia e sua condução terapêutica, comparando-a a outras modalidades de tratamento disponíveis atualmente. Durante o período de um ano e três meses de seguimento, foram realizadas quatro sessões de enxertia de gordura seguindo os princípios da lipoenxertia estruturada. Por meio desta modalidade terapêutica, foi possível obter uma melhora importante do contorno facial com desaparecimento quase completo das depressões e irregularidades características da doença e preservação do resultado durante o tempo de acompanhamento. Diversos tipos de tratamentos foram descritos como efetivos para as lipodistrofias: uso de materiais aloplásticos, enxertos autólogos, retalhos locais e microcirúrgicos. Cada um deles possui suas vantagem e desvantagens e a escolha dependerá da experiência do cirurgião e da disponibilidade de recursos e materiais específicos em cada centro. A lipoenxertia se mostrou uma forma de tratamento eficaz, simples, segura e de baixo custo para tratamento da síndrome de Barraquer-Simons.

Barraquer-Simons syndrome is a type of lipodystrophy characterized by progressive atrophy of the subcutaneous tissue limited to the upper body. Its involvement is usually symmetrical with craniocaudal evolution, reaching down to the thighs. This syndrome is also known as cephalo-thoracic lipodystrophy or progressive partial lipodystrophy. It is a rare disease of unknown origin that usually manifests at the beginning of the second decade of life and has predominance among women. We report a case and literature review of this rare disease, its therapeutic management, and a comparison with other treatment modalities currently available. During one year and three months follow-up, four sessions of facial fat grafting were performed following the principles of structural fat grafting. The use of this therapeutic modality, improved significantly facial contour, and almost complete disappearance of depressions and irregularities, and preservation were achieved during follow-up time. A number of treatments have been described as effective for lipodystrophy, such as: use of alloplastic materials, autologous grafts, local and microsurgical flaps. Each treatment has advantages and disadvantages. Decision depends on the surgeon's experience, availability of resources, specific materials in each center.

Use of a Dehydrated Amniotic Membrane Allograft on Lower Extremity Ulcers in Patients with Challenging Wounds: A Retrospective Case Series.

Lower extremity ulcers in patients with diabetes mellitus may take a long time to heal despite the use of advanced topical therapies. A retrospective review of cases was conducted to assess the use of a dehydrated amniotic membrane allograft (DAMA) in a convenience sample of 9 wounds in 8 patients (5 men, 3 women, average age 62 years [range 31-81 years]) with diabetes mellitus and/or vascular disease. Wound data and patient characteristics were abstracted from medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. In 5 of 9 wounds, DAMA was applied after a failure to demonstrate a 50% reduction in area after 4 weeks of treatment with advanced wound care, offloading, and compression as indicated. In 4 wounds, DAMA was applied 2-4 weeks after presentation because of concerns about existing patient risk factors for nonhealing. Wounds were present for an average of 11 weeks (range 1-35 weeks) before application of DAMA. Mean baseline wound area and volume were 3.11 cm2 (± 3.73) and 0.55 cm3 (± 0.58), respectively. All wounds healed in an average of 5.7 (± 2.9) weeks (range: 1-9 weeks) after a mean of 2.7 applications (± 1.7) (range 1-5 applications). No adverse events occurred. These observations suggest prospective, randomized, controlled clinical studies to compare the use of DAMA to other topical treatment modalities are warranted.

A prospective, randomised comparative study of weekly versus biweekly application of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft in the management of diabetic foot ulcers.

The aim of this study is to determine if weekly application of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft reduce time to heal more effectively than biweekly application for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. This was an institutional review board-approved, registered, prospective, randomised, comparative, non-blinded, single-centre clinical trial. Patients with non-infected ulcers of ≥ 4 weeks duration were included for the study. They were randomised to receive weekly or biweekly application of allograft in addition to a non-adherent, moist dressing with compressive wrapping. All wounds were offloaded. The primary study outcome was mean time to healing. Overall, during the 12-week study period, 92·5% (37/40) ulcers completely healed. Mean time to complete healing was 4·1 ± 2·9 versus 2·4 ± 1·8 weeks (P = 0·039) in the biweekly versus weekly groups, respectively. Complete healing occurred in 50% versus 90% by 4 weeks in the biweekly and weekly groups, respectively (P = 0·014). Number of grafts applied to healed wounds was similar at 2·4 ± 1·5 and 2·3 ± 1·8 for biweekly versus weekly groups, respectively (P = 0·841). These results validate previous studies showing that the allograft is an effective treatment for diabetic ulcers and show that wounds treated with weekly application heal more rapidly than with biweekly application. More rapid healing may decrease clinical operational costs and prevent long-term medical complications.

Uso de espumas em áreas doadoras de enxertos / Use of polyurethane foam dressings on skin graft donor sites

Introdução: O sucesso de um enxerto de pele é avaliado não apenas pela integração do enxerto em si, mas também pela qualidade da recuperação da área doadora. A despeito de as áreas doadoras de enxertos representarem o melhor local para estudo de cicatrização de feridas, regimes de tratamento, de áreas doadoras, tem sido incompletamente estudados. Objetivo: Avaliação da eficácia de espumas de poliuretano como curativo de áreas doadoras de enxertos. Método: Estudo prospectivo no qual áreas doadoras de enxertos foram tratadas com espumas de poliuretano como alternativa a filmes de acetato de celulose. Resultados: Foram tratados 11 pacientes e catorze áreas doadoras de enxerto. Aderência prolongada (73%) e odor desagradável (45%) foram os problemas encontrados. Os resultados foram considerados insatisfatórios na grande maioria dos casos (73%). Conclusões: O uso de espumas de poliuretano mostrou-se ineficaz, nesse grupo de pacientes, devido à ocorrência de alto índice de complicações.

Introduction: The success of a skin graft is evaluated by not only the integration of the graft itself, but also the quality of the recovery of the donor site. Despite the fact that graft donor sites represent the best place to study wound healing, treatment regimens for donor sites have not been studied extensively. Method: To evaluate the efficiency of polyurethane foam as a dressing for graft donor sites. Methods: We conducted a prospective study in which graft donor sites were treated with polyurethane foam dressing, as an alternative to a cellulose acetate film. Results: We treated 11 patients and 14 donor graft sites. Problems associated with the use of polyurethane foam included prolonged adherence (73%) and an unpleasant odor (45%). The majority of patients reported that they found the dressing to be unsatisfactory (73%). Conclusions: The use of a polyurethane foam was shown to be ineffective as a graft donor site dressing, due to the high rate of associated complications.

A proposed protocol for the standardized preparation of PRF membranes for clinical use.

Upon clinical application, thick platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is usually compressed to fit the implantation site. However, it is speculated that the preservation of platelets and plasma content depends on the compression methods used. To accurately evaluate the clinical outcome of PRF, the preparation protocol should be standardized. Freshly prepared PRF clots were compressed into a thin membrane by our novel PRF compression device. The localization of platelets was examined by SEM and immunostaining. Growth factor levels were evaluated by bioassays and cytokine-antibody array techniques. The angiogenic activity was examined by the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay and the scratch assay using HUVEC cultures. Platelets were concentrated on the surface of the region adjacent to the red thrombus and this region was subjected to the experiments. Compared to the PRF membrane compressed by dry gauze (G-PRF), the preservation of the plasma content, 3D-fibrin meshwork, and platelets was more intact in the compressor-prepared PRF membrane (C-PRF). Among the growth factors tested, C-PRF contained PDGF isoforms at higher levels, and significantly stimulated cell proliferation and neovascularization. C-PRF may be useful for grafting while minimizing the loss of bioactive factors. This C-PRF preparation protocol is proposed as a standardized protocol for PRF membrane preparation.

[Procedural guidelines. Good practice procedures for acquisition and preparation of cryopreserved human amniotic membranes from donor placentas]. / Arbeitsrichtlinien: Gute fachliche Praxis zur Gewinnung und Herstellung von kryokonservierter humaner Amnionmembran aus Spenderplazenta.

A cornea/tissue bank must have an organizational structure in which responsibility and authority to issue directives are clearly defined. It must also use a documented quality management system on the basis of good practice procedures which is maintained to the current standards. The personnel of a cornea/tissue bank must be present in sufficient numbers and be suitably qualified. A cornea/tissue bank must be in possession of appropriate facilities which are suitable for the main purpose of preparation of cryopreserved human amniotic membranes from donor placentas. All equipment must be designed and maintained corresponding to the intended purpose. Deviations from the stipulated quality and safety standards must give rise to documented investigations which include decisions on options for correctional and preventive measures. Acquisition of donors and tissue sampling must be strictly controlled and documented. This also applies to entry of donor tissue in the cornea/tissue bank. Cryopreserved human amniotic membranes can only be preserved from donors undergoing caesarean section and who did not present any known infection of the abdominal cavity or any systemic blood borne infection. Contamination of media used for cryopreservation of donor placenta must be ruled out at least once. Measures must be taken to keep the risk of contamination as low as possible. Cryopreserved human amniotic membranes from donor placentas can only be released if defined criteria are fulfilled. Any suspicion of severe undesired reactions and events for the recipient of an amniotic membrane transplant must be registered with the authorities. The activities of a cornea/tissue bank must maintain and adapt to the state-of-the-art with respect to scientific progress.

Wound healing evaluation of sodium fucidate-loaded polyvinylalcohol/sodium carboxymethylcellulose-based wound dressing.

The cross-linked hydrogel films containing sodium fucidate were previously reported to be prepared polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) using the freeze-thawing method and their physicochemical property was investigated. For the development of novel sodium fucidate-loaded wound dressing, here its in vivo wound healing test and histopathology were performed compared with the conventional ointment product. In wound healing test, the sodium fucidate-loaded composed of 2.5% PVA, 1.125% Na-CMC and 0.2% drug showed faster healing of the wound made in rat dorsum than the hydrogel without drug, indicating the potential healing effect of sodium fucidate. Furthermore, from the histological examination, the healing effect of sodium fucidate-loaded hydrogel was greater than that of the conventional ointment product and hydrogel without drug, since it might gave an adequate level of moisture and build up the exudates on the wound area. Thus, the sodium fucidate-loaded wound dressing composed of 5% PVA, 1.125% Na-CMC and 0.2% drug is a potential wound dressing with excellent wound healing.